Tag: MLS

2023 Chicago Fire Salary & Roster Breakdown

May 24, 2023 / Raul

One of my favorite days in the MLS season is when the MLS Players Association releases salary figures for its members. They do this twice a year (Spring/Fall) after a transfer window closes. It started way back in 2007 and its how fans know that Cuauhtemoc Blanco was the 2nd highest paid player in the league during his 3 seasons at Chicago. The current Governor of Morelos could never quite catch up to David Beckham‘s salary of $6.5m but he didn’t do too bad at $2.7m a season. For a salary capped league, it really matters how much you pay each player and what you get out of them. For example, it probably wasn’t the best idea for the Fire to make Nery Castillo the 6th highest paid player in the league back in 2010. But that’s the past, lets see if the current FO has done a better job allocating their resources…

Tata’s Time Almost Up?

February 1, 2022 / Raul

Being the manager of the Mexican National Team is a thankless job with immense pressure. The media scrutiny is intense and you are expected to win everything in CONCACAF but at the same time, rarely given credit for doing so because CONCACAF is no CONMEBOL or UEFA. Add in a fanbase that expects you to win every game in an enjoyable fashion and it is easy to see why there are few takers every time the position is open. I take all of this into account when I try to keep a level head after a rough Mexico game when El Tri twitter wants to fire Tata. My friends/followers think I’m a “Tata Apologist” but I just never saw the benefit in making a coaching switch. Until now…

CONCACAF Summer w/Jon Arnold

May 28, 2021 / Raul

This summer is going to be packed full of CONCACAF matches. Starting with the Nations League, followed by the Gold Cup and ending with the opening matches of World Cup Qualifying. With all of that in mind, I knew Jon Arnold was the guy to talk to.

LA Galaxy Reveal New Kit

February 24, 2021 / Raul

I expected this kit or some form of a retro Galaxy last season when MLS was touting its 25th season. Instead, Adidas dropped the ball and MLS clubs had the most boring kits in the world. It’s good to see they are stepping their game up… at least for one club.

Weekend Preview: 7/17

July 17, 2020 / Raul

Last gameday in La Liga and it comes with high stakes for one Mexican Abroad….

TCK Podcast: Business of Soccer

January 27, 2020 / Raul

Walter Franco and I discuss the business of soccer. Our main topics are Chicharito moving to MLS, Chivas TV situation, and what foreign leagues are doing in the US. We also dip our toes into the FMF/SUM relationship at the end of the episode.

Gracias Chicha

January 21, 2020 / Raul

Everyone’s favorite Little Pea is leaving Europe and coming to MLS. Of course the transfer to a “lesser” league will disappoint many but I’m taking a different approach.

(Dumpster) Fire Off-Season

January 9, 2020 / Raul

The 2020 MLS season is nearly upon us. The Chicago Fire had an eventful off-season with a couple highs but many more lows…..

Cubo Torres – Decision Time

November 6, 2014 / Raul

El Cu-Bot

5 weeks. That is the time afforded to Cubo Torres to make the biggest decision of his career. Cubo told the media he has until December 15th to make a decision whether to stay in MLS or go back home and try to save the Chivas from themselves. From all accounts, it seems his mind is not made up either way. I am sure many would love the story book ending of him coming back to Guadalajara and leading the team from its relegation battle. I am not one of those fans but Joshua Picazo is. Today, we will both make our cases. Let us know in the comments who you agree with.